Music Production for Films

Composing for films is a process that reveals the power of music. It evokes feelings that words and images alone cannot, and helps to bring a story to life. Musician and composer Simon Smith specializes in composing for film and television. His music can be heard in cinemas as well as on platforms like Netflix and Amazon.

In this course, Simon takes you through the process of conceptualizing, developing, and producing your own score for a film. Extend your music-making beyond just instruments and learn to tell compelling stories through sound.

Begin by getting to know musician and composer Simon Smith. He talks you through his journey to becoming a composer for film and television, before taking a look at the artists and influences which have inspired his work over the years.

Explore what film scoring actually is, then dive into the equipment you’ll need to create one, from headphones to virtual instruments. Go behind the scenes of the film production process and the people involved before switching your focus to the music itself. Learn to analyze how and why film music works and discover different options for applying musical ideas to a story. Look in-depth at how storytelling and music are used in films before diving into example scores and hearing Simon’s tips on composition and production.

Discover one of the key moments in the film scoring process: the spotting session. Then, begin your technical setup. Dive into the film and find a concept to give perspective to your musical ideas. Learn to analyze a script, location, acting, lighting, and more before deciding on your ideas and making a plan for your music.

Now you’re ready to start writing! Simon talks you through creating a theme suite or palette of colors and sounds before applying your ideas to a film, scene by scene. Once your ideas are ready to share with a director, prepare them for presentation and feedback.

With the composition stage over, it’s time to perfect your sound ready for exporting and delivery. Simon shares his expertise on legal matters including release forms and music royalties. To finish the course, he offers his advice for career development in the music industry.

Compose a powerful score for a short film of your choice.

Anyone with an interest in learning to score music for film or applying music to any audiovisual work.

Some basic understanding of music theory is required. You will also need the ability to record, edit, and mix music in a digital audio workstation.

In terms of equipment, you will need headphones, virtual instruments, and other materials the teacher will talk through in more detail in the course.